Birds Who Chase Hurricanes

Desertas Petrel; Photo Credit: Rocardo van Dijk

 

For most birds, hurricanes are to be avoided at all costs. But some birds find them to be just what they need. 

Hurricane season coincides with early fall migration. Countless birds encounter hurricanes and high winds en route, and are either blown way off course, or are unable to survive. But for some birds, hurricanes are a resource. Some albatross and shearwaters use the eye of hurricanes as a safe zone. But recently in a surprising finding, scientists discovered that a rare species, Desertas Petrels, actually look for hurricanes and follow them – the high winds in front of the birds give them an advantage over their prey.  Read the full story in the Washington Post.